[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 94 (Monday, May 16, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 28209-28210]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-11926]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Research Service


Notice of Intent To Reestablish the National Genetic Resources 
Advisory Council, and Request for Nominations

AGENCY: Agricultural Research Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of Intent and Request for Nominations.

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SUMMARY: The USDA intends to reestablish the National Genetic Resources 
Advisory (Council).
    The purpose of the Council is to formulate recommendations on 
actions and policies for the collections, maintenance, and utilization 
of genetic resources; to make recommendations for coordination of 
genetic resources plans of several domestic and international 
organizations; and to advise the Secretary of Agriculture and the 
National Genetic Resources Program Director of new and innovative 
approaches to genetic resources conservation.

DATES: Written nominations must be received on or before June 30, 2011.

ADDRESSES: Nominations should be sent to J. Robert Burk, Executive 
Director, REE Advisory Board Office, USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue, 
SW., Room 3901-S, Washington, DC 20250-0321; Fasimile: (202) 720-6199. 
E-mail: robert.burk@ars.usda.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: J. Robert Burk, Designated Federal 
Official; Phone: (202) 720-8408; E-mail robert.burk@ars.usda.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee 
Act (FACA) (5 U.S.C. App.), notice is hereby given that the Secretary 
of Agriculture intends to reestablish the National Genetic Resources 
Advisory Council for 2 years. The purpose of the Council is to 
formulate recommendations on actions and policies for the collection, 
maintenance, and utilization of genetic resources; resources; to make 
recommendations for coordination of genetic resources plans of several 
domestic and international organizations; and to advise the Secretary 
of Agriculture and the National Genetic Resources Program Director of 
new and innovative approaches to genetic resources conservation. The 
Executive Director of the Research, Education, and Economics Advisory 
Board Office will serve as the Council's Executive Secretary. 
Representatives from USDA mission areas and agencies affecting the 
collection, preservation, and dissemination of genetic material of 
importance to American food and agriculture production will be called 
upon to participate in the Council's meetings as determined by the 
Council Chairperson. Members will be appointed by the Secretary of 
Agriculture and serve 4-year terms. Membership will consist of up to 
nine (9) appointed members, and seven (7) ex-officio members. Two-
thirds of the appointed members will be from scientific disciplines 
relevant to the National Genetic Resources Program including 
agricultural sciences, environmental sciences, national resource 
sciences, health sciences, and nutritional sciences. One-third of the 
appointed members will be from the general public including leaders in, 
fields of public policy, trade, international development law, or 
management. The Secretary will appoint a Chairperson from the appointed 
members of the Council. The Secretary of Agriculture invites those 
individuals, organizations, and groups affiliated with the categories 
listed above to nominate individuals for membership on the 
reestablished Council. Nominations should describe and document the 
proposed member's qualifications for membership to the Council, and 
list their name, title, address, email address, telephone, and fax 
number. The Secretary of Agriculture seeks a diverse group of members 
representing a broad spectrum of persons interested in providing 
suggestions and ideas on how USDA can tailor its programs to help 
maintain purity of non-GE genetics, from germplasm to commercial use; 
and improve stewardship practices and develop new tools to lessen the 
risk of gene flow in agricultural commodities. Individuals who are 
nominated will receive necessary forms from the USDA for membership. 
The biographical information and clearance forms must

[[Page 28210]]

be completed and returned to USDA within 10 working days of 
notification, to expedite the clearance process that is required before 
selection of Council members by the Secretary of Agriculture. Equal 
opportunity practices will be followed in all appointments to the 
Council in accordance with USDA policies. To ensure that the 
recommendations of the Council have taken into account the needs of the 
diverse groups served by USDA, membership shall include, to the extent 
practicable, individuals with demonstrated ability to represent 
minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and limited resource 
agriculture producers.

    Dated: April 5, 2011.
Edward B. Knipling,
Administrator, ARS.
[FR Doc. 2011-11926 Filed 5-13-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-03-P